You Are What You Golf: A Humorous Study

I recently watched a program in which a golf student proclaimed his teacher knew what a person was like just by watching him/her play golf. In other words, this particular instructor focused intently on his student's golf game, then used his telepathic ability to delve into the person's psyche and make bold assumptions about their character. I didn't buy it.

Then I thought about it and it started making some sense. For example, my dad could watch me play and confidently state, "Son, judging by your golf game, it appears that when you were sixteen years old, I allowed you to borrow my car and it came back littered with beer bottle caps and cigarette butts. This led me to believe you had an exploratory problem with some of society's most common vices."

And my twin sister could offer, "Andrew, as I overlook your golf swing, it is evident that you are the type of guy that would solicit wrestling matches with your 12 year-old twin sister. You would proceed to perform stunning, yet extremely dangerous maneuvers on your victim concluding in bloody noses and confinement to your bedroom."

Amazing. You might say that this doesn't count. After all, family has an unfair advantage in making these assumptions. Perhaps.

All of a sudden, a light went on. I recalled playing golf with a weird kid in college. He frequently showcased his twisted behavior in the form of severe temper tantrums and outrageously foul and creative word usage. I remember that his favorite expression had something to do with feces being righteous or "holy." Then I put two and two together. This kid grew up on the farm and shoveled cow pies all day long. Hence the abnormal passion for the stuff and his over usage of the expression.

Whew! I was starting to catch on. I spent some time thinking about the issues at hand and more enlightenment came my way in other situations where the character of one's golf game dictates who one really is. Here they are...

Trait #1 - You have a severe problem with "fear" when you attempt a shot over water...

What it really means - This is a strong indication that liquid things are gripping you. You could have a drinking problem. You may also have a bladder infection. Seek medical attention.

What it really means - You have some kind of fixation with food. It could be an eating disorder or perhaps you don't maintain a diet properly proportioned with the four food groups (i.e. beer and nachos is not considered a food group).

Trait #3 - You consistently find your putts "lipping" out...

What it really means - You have a problem with your mouth. Either you get too "lippy" or you're simply a rude person.

Trait #4 - You're gifted at forming sentences with words pertaining to the biological waste, which, around second graders at least, is referred to as "poop".

What it really means - If you did not grow up on a farm, there likely is another reason why your diction is "foul." Constipation could be on the horizon or you may need to visit the bidet.

Trait #5 - You perpetually hit "pop-ups" off the top of your clubface, forcing you to strain your head upwards towards the heavens to watch your ball fly...

What it really means - God is trying to communicate with you. Not only is he telling you that you stink at golf, but he's also beckoning you to pray to him more often regarding other "foul" areas in your life.

What it really means - You're probably trying to hide from things that are bothering you. Face your problems head on. You could also be a Buddhist who will reincarnate as a plant in the next life. Either way, it's not looking good.

What it really means - Your life is a "hairy" mess. You've likely got hair growing in places it has no business growing. Get tweezers and extract the mop coming out of your ears and, for the love of all things decent, get rid of that barbed wire growing out of your nose.

What it really means - Your feet need some attention. They probably smell like road-killed skunks that have been baking in the Arizona sun for three days. Get to a podiatrist as soon as possible for an inspection. Nose plugs can prevent asphyxiation.

You know the saying "You are what you eat?" Well, "You are what you golf" too. Take heed my friend, and examine the signs. It's not like the occasional slice is something to take lightly. At first glance a regular slicer may say, "Big deal! This has no bearing on my character." However, the truth of the matter is that slicers repeatedly find the "right" side of the golf course and are therefore budding "right-winged extremists." Lefties, well, that's another story.

Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. His work has appeared in newspapers and magazines throughout North America and Europe. You can see more of his work at www.andrewpenner.com.

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